In a joint letter sent to Congress, 19 consumer and financial industry organizations urged lawmakers to protect the third round of economic impact payments (EIPs) from garnishment so the money gets to the families who most need it. Allowing EIPs to be garnished could impose significant burdens on some families, who are facing unprecedented circumstances during the ongoing pandemic.
These EIPs are intended to help families purchase food and other necessities to make ends meet. Many people were already struggling prior to the coronavirus crisis and millions have now been laid off or had their hours cut. However, EIPs from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are not exempt from garnishment, unlike the second round of EIPs from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.